Dodge took a big risk shelving its traditional full-size
van in favor of a European-inspired platform, but it appears American business has embraced the result. The 2009 Dodge Sprinter's innovative cargo area, fuel-efficient diesel engine and numerous configurations make it the new darling of the delivery and transportation sector. The boxy Sprinter silhouette has even begun showing up in the lucrative RV arena. Truth be told, the Dodge Sprinter may be the most successful offspring to come from the now-terminated marriage between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you operate a moving or delivery service, you'll love the Sprinter's huge cargo hold, efficient diesel engine and flexible configuration. If you're the one doing the delivering, you'll appreciate the tall roof, which reduces the need to stoop or bend when loading and unloading cargo.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Sprinter's price tag is higher than its van-based competitors and it's not as easy to store in crowded parking structures or cramped parking lots.

What's New for 2009

The gasoline engine is dropped from the lineup, while a power-operated side door is made available on both the passenger and cargo
vans. New door configuration, exterior mirror extensions and new wiring options round out the changes for 2009.

Driving the Sprinter 2500 Cargo

Driving Impressions

With its workhorse 3.0-liter turbodiesel, the 2009 Dodge Sprinter is surprisingly capable. While acceleration is not lightning fast, it is strong and steady. The quiet and smooth diesel engine is...

... fuel-efficient and its generous torque keeps the vehicle from getting bogged down, even when loaded with passengers or cargo. The Sprinter's steering is heavily weighted, but not to the point of being laborious. Despite its long chassis, the Sprinter possesses a tight turning radius and responds quickly to emergency maneuvers. The ride is also pleasant and the interior cabin exhibits few rattles, even over rough pavement.

Favorite Features

Extended Top Option
The Sprinter's higher-ceiling option lets you move in and out without needing to stoop down

Diesel Engine
Designed by Mercedes-Benz, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provides excellent low-end torque and good fuel economy. In Europe, Mercedes-Benz' diesels have a proven record of durability and longevity.

2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 Cargo Details

Interior

The view from behind the Sprinter's wheel reveals a very Mercedes-Benz-like dash, instrument cluster and controls. The shift column, located near the driver's right knee, emerges from the base of the dash, creating an open passage between the passenger's and driver's footwells. The Sprinter's massive cargo bay offers a wide variety of configurations, including seating for 12 passengers or a rolling workshop with a ceiling high enough to allow someone over six feet tall to work while standing upright. In its largest configuration, the Sprinter can hold up to 600 cubic feet of cargo weighing over 5,600 pounds.

Exterior

While the 2009 Dodge Sprinter isn't likely to win any beauty pageants, there is real attractiveness in its efficient design. The tall windshield and long door glass provide the driver excellent visibility, while the short pointed nose improves aerodynamics as well as ease of parking. Big side mirrors include separate convex mirrors to expose objects hidden in the driver's blind spots. A choice of three different roof heights (65, 76 or 84 inches) is augmented by two wheelbases and three different overall lengths, and other features include a rear-door opening of 180 degrees and a sliding side-door loading width of 51 inches.

A standard 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provides modest horsepower but plenty of weight-moving torque. This engine may struggle somewhat under full load, but fuel economy figures in the low- to mid-20s won't disappoint.